Sun. March 10, 2013 ... So where are all the early pre-free agency rumors? Speculation-Explanation.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/10/another-theory-for-the-early-boredom/

Another theory for the early boredom

Posted by Mike Florio on March 10, 2013, 12:08 PM EDT

" The popular explanation for the unexpected quiet on the first day of pre-free agency is that teams were scared silent by a Friday memo from the league office, which threatens them all with little-used tampering sanction if they do what the new rules had plainly implied they could — reach agreements in principle with impending free agents.

But there’s another theory that’s making the rounds to explain the lack of leaks of numbers either offered or discussed. As one source with knowledge of the current dynamics tells PFT, agents aren’t talking because the dollars for their clients aren’t where they thought they’d be." Fr. LINK

Click on LINK for the complete release on this.

GO PACK GO

[woodbuck27]

I discovered how to revise the thread title.

[woodbuck27]

Comment woodbuck27:

So what's going on in the final hours of the legal tampering non-tampering period?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/more-and-more-reports-link-mike-wallace-to-miami/

More and more reports link Mike Wallace to Miami

Posted by Mike Florio on March 11, 2013, 10:30 AM EDT

" The latest comes from Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post, who writes that it’s a “done deal.” But if we learned anything for the scrum of news that capped the end of the 2012 regular season, it’s that no deal is done until it’s, well, done.

From 95 percent to virtual certainty, multiple crystal-clear reports regarding coaching hires and player moves ended up being clearly incorrect."

GO PACK GO !

[woodbuck27]

Comment woodbuck27:

I just read this one on JSO that directly affects the Packers RE: ILB Brad Jones:

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/brad-jones-expected-to-be-a-hot-commodity-in-free-agency-bn93jn4-196798081.html

Several teams show interest in free-agent LB Brad Jones

" In all, Jones started 10 of 16 games and finished with 77 tackles, two sacks, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. He was particularly effective in goal-line situations and played physically given his 6-foot-3, 242-pound frame.

The Packers still have some concern about their inside linebacker position because Bishop's return from surgery to reattach his hamstring muscle isn't a slam dunk and Smith's return in time for training camp is in question. It is one reason so many people have predicted the Packers will select an inside linebacker in the draft.

In Jones, someone would be getting a versatile linebacker who will have no problem learning a new defense. He has played both inside and outside and at the least can be a very good addition on special teams."

Please click on the above LINK for the entire story.

GO PACK GO !

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/pft-live-dolphins-talk-with-armando-salguero-free-agency-preview/

RE: Free Agency set to begin tomorrow (Tues. 12 March 2013 ) just over 26 hours away at 1:24 PM ET Monday 11 March 2013.

" With that moment coming, we’ll also spend some time with a bigger picture of the free agent marketplace that will develop over the rest of the week. It’ll be one last chance to set the stage before the activity begins at full speed on Tuesday afternoon.

You can ** watch it all live at noon ET."

** LINK:

http://stream.nbcsports.com/?pid=4&referrer=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/pft-live-dolphins-talk-with-armando-salguero-free-agency-preview/

[woodbuck27]

With Percy Harvin being traded to Seattle and this rumor that Wes Welker will remain in New England. Things seem to be looking up more and more for Greg Jennings.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/wes-welker-expected-to-stay-in-new-england/

Wes Welker expected to stay in New England

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 11, 2013, 12:54 PM EDT

[NewsBruin]

I'm a big fan of Bill Barnwell's NFL writing in Grantland, and I think this column on free agents is of a similar opinion and worth reading.

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9039158/bill-barnwell-changes-nfl-free-agent-landscape

[woodbuck27]

I'm a big fan of Bill Barnwell's NFL writing in Grantland, and I think this column on free agents is of a similar opinion and worth reading.

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9039158/bill-barnwell-changes-nfl-free-agent-landscape

That was a good long read. Thanks.

[swede]

I'm a big fan of Bill Barnwell's NFL writing in Grantland, and I think this column on free agents is of a similar opinion and worth reading.

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9039158/bill-barnwell-changes-nfl-free-agent-landscape


Bill Barnwell wrote: For your favorite team to take advantage of the league's best new value opportunity, it will have to both know that it's coming and be bold enough to, for a time, do nothing at all.

Our GM wrote the book on doing nothing.

Wasn't really a very long book.

[woodbuck27]

Lack of excitement is a good thing

Mailbag: Negotiating period quietly helps teams gauge market, retain free agents

Originally Published: March 11, 2013

By John Clayton ESPN.com

" The NFL's first venture into a three-day negotiating period prior to free agency is lacking excitement.

While agents could talk to all teams, commissioner Roger Goodell put up a strong warning to teams and agents Friday night. Though he legalized tampering, he threatened to have a tampering investigation if teams or agents announce deals for players leaving teams before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.

Bravo.

The idea of putting in this three-day negotiating period was to give more guidance to teams hoping to keep their players, not speed their exits. As much as fans want to see their teams sign players from other teams, the system has to be set so teams have a chance to keep their own players."

CLICK on LINK for the rest of this story and much more.

GO PACKERS !

[woodbuck27]

Jets sign David Garrard

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 11, 2013, 5:44 PM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/jets-sign-david-garrard/

" The Jets may still add another quarterback, but at the moment it looks like it’s a Sanchez-Garrard-McElroy competition."

[denverYooper]

Our GM wrote the book on doing nothing.

Wasn't really a very long book.

Step 1.) Sit on hands
Step 2.) Remain seated
Step 3.) Profit

[woodbuck27]

Here's a hot brand new rumor for y'all:

Ed Reed hires agent, could be headed to 49ers

Posted by Mike Florio on March 11, 2013, 6:41 PM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/ed-reed-hires-agent-could-be-headed-to-49ers/

" Receiver Anquan Boldin may not be the only Ravens player who joins the 49ers.

A league source with extensive knowledge of the current safety market believes that the 49ers could land Ravens safety Ed Reed."

Safety Ed Reed may join one of the hottest teams in the league.

[woodbuck27]

Lions reportedly interested in Jason Jones

Posted by Mike Wilkening on March 11, 2013, 6:55 PM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/lions-reportedly-interested-in-jason-jones/

" Multiple reports have the Lions expected to be players for Seahawks defensive lineman Jason Jones.

Jones’ connections to Detroit are hard to miss.

The 26-year-old Jones was a second-round pick of the Titans in 2008 when … drum roll … current Lions head coach Jim Schwartz was Tennessee’s defensive coordinator and new Lions defensive line coach Jim Washburn held the same position on the Titans’ coaching staff. "

[Guiness]

Here's a hot brand new rumor for y'all:

Ed Reed hires agent, could be headed to 49ers

Posted by Mike Florio on March 11, 2013, 6:41 PM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/ed-reed-hires-agent-could-be-headed-to-49ers/

" Receiver Anquan Boldin may not be the only Ravens player who joins the 49ers.

A league source with extensive knowledge of the current safety market believes that the 49ers could land Ravens safety Ed Reed."

Safety Ed Reed may join one of the hottest teams in the league.

Wow. It sure seems like the Ravens are in for a post-SB hangover. If Reed goes, that would be the third solid vet (Reed, Boldin, Lewis) gone, and Kruger is probably leaving too. Add Flacco's contract to that, squeezing them against the salary cap, and I think they'll be hard pressed to be a playoff team the next couple of years.

[woodbuck27]

Wow. It sure seems like the Ravens are in for a post-SB hangover. If Reed goes, that would be the third solid vet (Reed, Boldin, Lewis) gone, and Kruger is probably leaving too. Add Flacco's contract to that, squeezing them against the salary cap, and I think they'll be hard pressed to be a playoff team the next couple of years.

I see a ship listing to one side and a whole lot of rodents rushing and squirming to swim to shore. :grin:

[woodbuck27]

Lions looking like more likely landing spot for (Reggie) Bush.

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2013, 7:18 AM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/lions-looking-like-more-likely-landing-spot-for-bush/

"For a week now, we’ve been saying/suggesting/speculating/whatever that the next destination for running back Reggie Bush likely will be Arizona or Detroit.

As of right now, the Lions look to be the likely winners."

Comment woodbuck27:

I'm not at all sure why PFT has come to this decision. Between Arizona and Detroit, it seems to me the climate in Arizona may suit him better. That and the fact he'll walk into that organization as the very likely NO. 1 RB, without competion.

Remember when we used to discuss Reggie Bush in Green Bay?

[woodbuck27]

Manning, Freeney reunion becoming more likely.

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2013, 7:02 AM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/manning-freeney-becoming-more-likely/

" The comment made many wonder where Freeney would fit in an attack featuring defensive end Elvis Dumervil and linebacker Von Miller. The answer has since become clear — Dumervil and his $12 million base salary will be dumped by Saturday, at which time the payment becomes fully guaranteed.

While the Broncos have plenty of options, we’re told that Manning wants Freeney. Though Manning has no plan to make a power play, he has a way of getting his point across.

And it’s safe to assume he already has."

Comment woodbuck27:

So...is that the rest of the story? Stay tuned to Packerrats to find out. Free Agency is 8 hours and 10 minutes away. It's now 7:50 AM ET.

[woodbuck27]

Dolphins think Vikings may offer Mike Wallace $13 million a year.

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 12, 2013, 6:28 AM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/dolphins-think-vikings-may-offer-mike-wallace-13-million-a-year/

Comment woodbuck27:

Now here's a perfect example of the media having too much input towords a potential poor outcome. I'm trying to find something that backs up this speculation.

Personally I don't see Mike Wallace in Minny. They just traded a problem. Would they commit that large sum of CAP space ($13 million$) to a potential other?

Besides, what difference does another year make in terms of Mike Wallace and his need for more money? He made a bid for more last off season and how did that work out for him? Did he prove to the NFL last season, that he 'in fact' deserves if not a kings... a prince's ransom?

NFL GM's must stop over paying before this foolishness ruins the NFL.

RE: The Vikings. If they could attain Victor Cruz from the GIANTS for that first round pick they snaped from Seattle in the Percy Harvin deal, they would be better served.

[woodbuck27]

Bears “hot” on Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 12, 2013, 10:37 AM EDT

"As the Bears attempt to bolster their offensive line, they’re looking to weaken a division rival’s by possibly making an early run at Minnesota’s Phil Loadholt.

The Vikings right tackle has started 63 of 64 games since the Vikings took him in the second round of the 2009 Draft.

While the Vikings want to retain him, they don’t want to go over $5 million a year for a right tackle in a market thick with blockers, according to Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com"

[denverYooper]

Hmm, interesting about Loadholt. He was part of the reason that the Vikes were very good running around the right side.

I wonder if AD is lobbying for Loadholt to be paid?

[woodbuck27]

Hmm, interesting about Loadholt. He was part of the reason that the Vikes were very good running around the right side.

I wonder if AD is lobbying for Loadholt to be paid?

The way the Vikings seem to be playing it. Their offense will likely go into some decline next season. That their running game will slip in 2013 and approach the status of their passing game.

It appears to me as if their re-loading.

[Patler]

I would like nothing better than for the Bears to overpay Loadholt. I think he is a decent player, but not a great one, so wasting a few extra bucks on him is a good thing. More importantly, it makes it more likely that Gabe Carimi will be playing a position he is not best suited for.

[woodbuck27]

This report is kinda funny:

Bears part ways with team chaplain Ray McElroy

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 12, 2013, 12:51 PM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/bears-part-ways-with-team-chaplain-ray-mcelroy/

" Apparently, not even God is immune to the pressure of a flat salary cap.

The Bears made the unusual move of getting rid of their team chaplain, according to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times. " FR. LINK

[pbmax]

He refused to nominate Ditka for Pope.

[pbmax]

Jason Wilde ‏@jasonjwilde
Colts, Titans, Eagles, Saints (not #Packers) per @RapSheet. RT @ProFootballTalk: Ricky Jean Francois getting a good deal of interest

Packers interest either dried up or was a product of the agent looking to drum up competing offers.

[woodbuck27]

(Andy) Levitre looking at big money in Nashville

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2013, 3:42 PM EDT

" Per a league source, Adams’ Titans are expected to sign Levitre to huge-money deal after the free-agency period opens.

Levitre, who spent the first four years of his career in Buffalo, will bolster an offensive line in Tennessee that needs bolstering.

Either way, the checkered flag on free agency will be waved soon."


Comment woodbuck27:

I think he means 'green' flag not checkered flag that would signal the end of the Pre FA period we've looked at since last friday.

FA is about 10 minutes away.

[woodbuck27]

Ohh I watched a report of one more rumor on NFL Access just before the opening of FA:

I'm not sure who it was, but someone who seemed to have an inside on things Green Bay Packer suggested that ....Ted Thompson will be quiet in the early stages of FA.

I cannot imagine that being 'the TRUTH'.

I also have been hearing rumblings that several noted NFL players are relishing an opportunity to rub shoulders with Charles Woodson. That they would love to have him in their locker room; as their teammate for the experience credits he would provide.

Some of those players play for the Seattle Seahawks.